1 Peter 3:21

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Peter 3:21

The like figure, &c . Literally Which (i.e. water; the relative, being neuter, can only refer to the word "water") being antitypical (Greek. antitupos, here and Hebrews 9:24 ). baptism . App-115 . also, &c . = now save you (all the texts read "you") also. putting away . Greek. apothesis. Only here and 2 Peter 1:14 . filth . Greek. rupos . Only here. Compare J as. 1 Peter 1:21 . answer = inquiry, or seeking. Greek. eperotema. Only here. The verb erotao ( App-134 .) and ... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Peter 3:21

which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;After a true likeness ... The figure, pattern, or type in this verse is the salvation of Noah's family "by water." The common misunderstanding that makes baptism the figure in this place is totally wrong, baptism being the antitype, the reality which was only symbolized by the salvation... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Peter 3:21

1 Peter 3:21. The like figure whereunto, &c.— And that which is the antetype, even baptism, doth also now save us (not the putting off the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience) to God, by, &c. Sir Norton Knatchbull would join the words δι υδατος, 1Pe 3:20 to the beginning of this verse, and would have us read thus: By water also, baptism, which is the antetype, doth also now save us. For this he alleges, that the preposition δια will then have its usual and proper... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 3:21

21. whereunto—The oldest manuscripts read, "which": literally, "which (namely, water, in general; being) the antitype (of the water of the flood) is now saving (the salvation being not yet fully realized by us, compare 1 Corinthians 10:1; 1 Corinthians 10:2; 1 Corinthians 10:5; Judges 1:5; puts into a state of salvation) us also (two oldest manuscripts read 'you' for 'us': You also, as well as Noah and his party), to wit, baptism." Water saved Noah not of itself, but by sustaining the ark built... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Peter 3:18-22

2. The vindication of Christ 3:18-22Peter now reminded his readers of the consequences of Jesus’ response to unjustified persecution. He did so to strengthen their resolve to rededicate themselves to follow God’s will wholeheartedly and confidently. He also wanted to assure them of their ultimate triumph in Christ.1 Peter 3:18-22 contain some very difficult exegetical problems. Who are the spirits who received a proclamation (1 Peter 3:19)? When did Jesus make this proclamation? What was its... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Peter 3:21

The antecedent of "that" seems to be "water" (1 Peter 3:20). Baptism saves Christians now as the water that floated Noah’s ark saved him and drowned his unbelieving antagonists. It does not save us by cleansing us from defilement, either physically or spiritually, but by announcing publicly that the person baptized has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism now delivers (saves) us from the consequences of siding with the world (cf. James 1:21; James 2:24; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18;... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Peter 3:21-22

Salvation comes, not by baptism, but by faith in Jesus Christ whose resurrection and ascension testify to God’s acceptance of and satisfaction with His sacrifice (1 John 2:2). 1 Corinthians 1:17 clarifies that baptism is not required for justification, and Acts 10:47 shows that baptism is a step of obedience for Christians. God has subjected all things, even the powers behind our persecutors, to Jesus Christ because of His death and resurrection (cf. 1 Peter 3:18). The fact that Jesus Christ... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - 1 Peter 3:21

3:21 demand (n-20) Or 'engagement,' or 'testimony.' The Greek word here translated 'demand' is a very difficult one, and has puzzled all critics and commentators. It means 'a question.' All the commentators speak of its use as a legal term with the sense of contract, or rather stipulations or obligations of a contract. I judge (as usual in these forms) that it refers to the question asked rather than to the asking of the question. The legal use arises from a questioning which settled the terms... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 3:1-22

The Blessedness of Christ’s People, Though They Should Suffer Like ChristB (iii). 1 Peter 3:1-6. Another divinely created ordinance of man is marriage. One of the purposes of Christianity was to teach chivalry towards women: this is part of the ’grace’ which men can exercise. But to this must correspond the modesty and graciousness of women. The Israelites had already been taught that; and women, when they enter the Christian society, become daughters of Abraham, heirs both of the honour and of... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Peter 3:1-22

(13-4: 6) EXHORTATION TO KEEP A PURE CONSCIENCE.—It is the only charm against persecution. It is like Christ to suffer with a good conscience; and He had His reward for it, in bringing us, and even the spirits of men who had died impenitent, to God thereby. It is the very meaning of the baptism by which He saves us. To feel its beauty and safety, we have but to consider the ugliness and danger of our former life. read more

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